Guinsoo takes the original DotA versions and makes DotA Allstars, which I believe is still the reigning DotA franchise on WC3.

Some guys get the idea to make a stand-alone game that's the spiritual successor to DotA.

These guys get Guinsoo to join them and make Riot Games.

Riot makes LoL.

I could get specific dates for a lot of these things, but the order is what's relevant here.

[quote=lifebaka]Actually, it is Riot Games. The basic chonology is:
[list]
[*]The original DotA map is made.
[*]Guinsoo takes the original DotA versions and makes DotA Allstars, which I believe is still the reigning DotA franchise on WC3.
[*]Some guys get the idea to make a stand-alone game that's the spiritual successor to DotA.
[*]These guys get Guinsoo to join them and make Riot Games.
[*]Riot makes LoL.
[/list]
I could get specific dates for a lot of these things, but the order is what's relevant here.[/quote]

[quote=Klausenheim]I think xIchi is referencing the company that bought Riot.
IIRC They are owned by some Chinese company now?
http://www.riotgames.com/company/investors
Backed, not owned, but Tencent owns a majority stake. So they certainly aren't fully independent ala Valve.[/quote]